module specification

This module aims to contextualise the content of the Theatre Practice degree towards professional application by introducing the fundamentals of business practice as applied to the leading of performance-based projects. During the module students will be introduced to planning strategies, financial management and fundraising and business models towards the creation of a project plan. The module addresses the social entrepreneurship movement and embraces technology in these business practices and has an emphasis on collaborative learning.

This module provides an introduction to the business aspects of successfully leading a theatre project or company and aims to:

• acquaint students with the skills and understandings relevant to setting up a theatre/performance project or company.
• explore and engage with a range of business models within the contemporary cultural industries environment
• encourage students to apply methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding in initiating and carrying out projects.
• enable students to gain awareness of, and engagement with, technology and digital media in business practice in the arts.

Students will be led through taught and research-based activities towards the creation of a project plan that will be presented for final assessment. The assessment portfolio is intended as a useful working template for future business practice and will draw on new skills and understandings taught during the module. These will be contextualised towards student-led plans for a new activity or venture in the theatre arts and will address the following areas: summary of your organisation, activity or new venture in theatre; consideration of selected business model; illustration of how web presence and social media could be utilised; funding and income generation strategy outline; project budget for your venture or activity; consideration of potential avenues for the distribution of your work.

The module will use a variety of blended learning strategies including seminars and workshops, student presentations, self-study supported by online and e-learning, mentoring, supportive texts and tutor support.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the basics involved with the setting up and running of an arts enterprise.
• employ a range of different approaches in building a business project plan.
• use a range of methods in the planning and presentation of a project plan.
• demonstrate ability in harnessing on-line facilities and digital media in the management and communication of business for the arts.

The assessment for this module has two interrelated parts.

1. Students will draw on module content and research to prepare a preliminary group seminar presentation for a proposed new project (15 minutes) 50%
2. Students will go on to develop a project portfolio with on-line presence for a proposed activity or new venture in the (performing) arts sector.
   (1,500-2,000 words) 50%

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On-line
Coleman R., Getting Started with Social Networking for Artists and Arts Organizations (www.rebeccacoleman.ca/services/guide-to-getting-started-in-social-media)
JSTOR http://www.jstor.org/
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